John Bateman Wigan move: Canberra Raiders star could quit NRL after 2020

Canberra champion John Bateman could shock rugby league by quitting the NRL to chase a monster deal with English club Wigan - but money isn’t the main motivator for the move home.

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Canberra champion John Bateman could shock rugby league by quitting the NRL after just two seasons and returning to English club Wigan to be reunited permanently with his 10-year-old daughter.

The Daily Telegraph has been told the Warriors have expressed huge interest in attempting to lure Bateman back to the club where he played 132 games between 2014 and 2018.

Bateman, 26, is under contract at Canberra for this year – and 2021 - but has been granted approval to negotiate with rival clubs for next season.

Canterbury Bulldogs and Gold Coast Titans are known to be interested clubs while St George Illawarra will monitor any developments.

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A shattered John Bateman after last year’s grand final loss to the Roosters. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty

Bateman’s daughter, Millie, is back in England along with his family, including mum Bev. He also owns a property. Millie had planned to be in Canberra with Bateman now but was unable to travel through COVID- 19.

Bateman adores Millie.

It is understood Wigan are considering making a major play for Bateman, who would be included as one of the Warriors’ two marquee players. Bateman is said to be “open” to a return home.

There have been unconfirmed reports the Wigan deal could be worth $3.5m over five years.

Super League clubs must lodge 175,000 pounds ($325,000 Australian) in their salary cap for a marquee player but can spend any amount required to sign the player. Wigan’s two marquee players for this year are George Burgess and Jackson Hastings.

Bateman’s manager, Isaac Moses, believes his client could earn $800,000 a season. Gold Coast is desperate for a quality forward while Canterbury has extensive room to move in their salary cap.

The final decision for Bateman will be whether to take the big money or return to Millie. Canberra remains hopeful Bateman will remain a Raider next season given but there are fears he will leave.

Bateman’s contract allows him to renegotiate his value after every season and the Raiders do not have the salary cap flexibility to offer him an increased deal from the $650,000 he will earn this season.

It is understood the Dragons have money to spend on a back-rower but would be reluctant to outlay $800,000 a year for Bateman. Gold Coast may also baulk at that price.

John Bateman lifts the Super League trophy for Wigan in 2018. Picture: Alex Dodd/CameraSport/Getty

Bateman – the reigning Dally M second-rower of the year - has only enjoyed one full season in the NRL but made an immediate and substantial impact, pushing Canberra to the NRL grand final.

The Raiders would rather have Bateman return to Wigan than chase big money at a rival NRL club. Those close to Canberra feel Bateman could leave the NRL after two years having proven himself to be among the finest back rowers in rugby league.

Frustrated Canberra officials haven’t been “kept in the loop” about Bateman’s negotiations with other clubs.

Asked last year by the media about Millie, Bateman said: “We do have that great connection. It was so hard to say goodbye to her for a couple of months. I speak to her every day – we’re very close.

“She knows deep down why I’m doing this and my mum is there with her a lot.”

Last Friday, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart spoke about Bateman’s future.

“It’s a part of the business,” Stuart said. “It’s a very challenging time at the moment because John’s a big part of the family. I’ve got a great relationship with John, and we don’t want to lose him.

“But there’s different scenarios and circumstances around the decision, which is very unfortunate.”

Canberra has extended Jarrod Croker and Jack Wighton this year and hopes to nail down Nick Cotric shortly, further tightening the club’s salary cap.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants have confirmed former NSW winger Akuila Uate has been released and will return home, effective immediately. His contract wasn’t due to expire until after next season.

“This decision is very disappointing for Akuila, who has worked as hard as anyone could to get back from his ankle issue, as have our medics,” said Giants managing director, Richard Thewlis.

Originally published as John Bateman Wigan move: Canberra Raiders star could quit NRL after 2020